Transmission of HIV
HIV is found in body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It is passed on when body fluids from a person with HIV enter the body of another person.
You can get HIV from
- having vaginal or anal sex without a condom
- sharing needles and other equipment used for injecting drugs
- using unsterile (unclean) equipment for body piercing or tattooing
- unsterile (unclean) blood transfusions and medical procedures done in some overseas countries.
- an HIV positive mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
You cannot get HIV from
- coughing or sneezing
- kissing, hugging or crying
- sharing a bed with someone who has HIV
- sharing food with someone who has HIV
- sharing a toilet or a shower with someone who has HIV
- mosquito or other insect bites.
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